Braided Chestnut, Berangan
Castanopsis inermis

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

Castanopsis inermis is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 20

Where it is found

Forests, mostly in the hills, also found in bamboo forest, and in groves on a river-bank at elevations up to 600 metres.

Southeast Asia - Malaysia to Indonesia.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, East Africa, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Uganda

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Seeds - cooked. They can be boiled, parched or roasted. The seeds can be 30 - 20mm.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

The plant may be able to tolerate park conditions. The preferred local food plant for caterpillars of the butterfly, the ciliate blue (Anthene emolus) and the moth Calliteara angulata.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.

Staple Crop: Balanced carb: (0-15 percent protein, 0-15 percent oil, with at least one over 5 percent). The carbohydrates are from either starch or sugar. Annuals include maize, wheat, rice, and potato. Perennials include chestnuts, carob, perennial fruits, nuts, cereals, pseudocereals, woody pods, and acorns.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.

Staple Crop: Balanced carb: (0-15 percent protein, 0-15 percent oil, with at least one over 5 percent). The carbohydrates are from either starch or sugar. Annuals include maize, wheat, rice, and potato. Perennials include chestnuts, carob, perennial fruits, nuts, cereals, pseudocereals, woody pods, and acorns.

Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.

How it is grown

Castanopsis species are generally tolerant of a range of soils, preferably well-drained. They succeed in full sun, though young plants generally grow best in dappled woodland shade.

Propagating it: Seed

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Berangan, Beragam makan, Berangan betul, Berangan padi, Ko khaao, Parang berangan

Synonyms

Callaeocarpus sumatrana Miq. Castanea glomerata Blume Castanea inermis Lindl. Castanea sumatrana (Miq.) Oerst. Castanopsis mitifica Hance Castanopsis sumatrana (Miq.) A.DC. Quercus glomerata Wall.